Adapter mandrel used in conjunction with premolded high voltage connectors and connector components

ABSTRACT

A mandrel, useful in high voltage cable splicing and termination operations, having a tapered surface and longitudinal ribs for assembly onto a high-voltage cable to be connected to a premolded or extruded high-voltage component. As the premolded high-voltage component is passed over the mandrel, the mandrel expands the internal cavity of the high-voltage component and may further reduce the loss of lubrication within the internal cavity of the high-voltage component thereby allowing for the high voltage component to be easily installed onto the high-voltage cable. After the high voltage component passes over the apparatus, the high-voltage component may return to a lesser-expanded shape providing a snug fit around the cable member. The high-voltage component may then compress around the cable, with a uniform layer of lubricant remaining in between interior cavity of the high-voltage component and the outer layer of the cable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cable splicing inhigh-voltage environments and in particular to the placement of apremolded high-voltage connector or other removable or permanentelectrical insulating device over a high-voltage cable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The need for splicing high-voltage power cable is oftenencountered in the power service industry. For example, splicing may berequired either due to damage to an existing cable caused by diggingduring construction or other like activities. In addition, the need forhigh-voltage cable splicing may arise due to additional cable connectionrequirements as a result of residential expansion and increasing energydemands. Unlike the splicing of low-voltage devices, which may beaccomplished with the use of simple connectors with minimal insulation,(frequently constructed of copper, aluminum and like components)high-voltage devices require splices which must maintain proper voltagegrading, electrical insulation and water tightness. To achieve theserequirements, the art of premolded high-voltage splicing may include theuse of one, two, three or more insulated members. In addition, a tightfitting rubber member or sleeve may also cover the cable memberconnections. Due to the fact that the sleeve is generally manufacturedof one diameter, cable adapters may be employed to accommodate a broadrange of cable diameters. Therefore, in combination, the insulatedmembers, sleeves and cable adapters secure the spliced region, therebyproviding for protection against water seepage into the connection. Inaddition, this type of assembly allows the cable-to-cable splice toachieve the desired voltage and insulation demands. Such a fittingrequires a careful, and often timely installation process, whichinvolves the connection of opposing cable members to, and/or theplacement of cable adapters over the cable insulation. Cable adapters orcable members are then connected to one another, or to other connectorcomponents, to provide a successful splice. It is further known in theart to require additional components to be installed onsite for securingopposing cable adapters or cable members to one another. As a result, asthe number of additional installation components increase, more assemblytime may be required in the field, thereby effecting the efficiency ofthe splicing operation.

[0003] For a successful splice, the cable members must fit securelywithin the corresponding splice components. Thus the inside diameter ofthe splice component is generally designed to be smaller than the outerdiameter of each corresponding cable member (i.e., commonly referred toas the “interference fit”.) To insure a snug fit, lubricant must beapplied along the outside of the cable members and/or the inside of thecable adapters to assist in the installation process as the cableadapters are pulled over the corresponding cable members. However,difficulty may arise when a prepared or chamfered cable is insertedwithin a lubricated cable adapter. Specifically, upon insertion of thecable within the lubricated cable adapter, the chamfered cable acts tocollect the useful lubrication from the inner portions of the cableadapter. Also, the interference fit acts to collect the lubrication fromthe outer portions of the cable thereby reducing the effectiveness ofthe lubrication. By removing the desired lubrication, it becomesextremely difficult to properly assemble the spliced cable member. Inorder to assist in the cable splicing operation it has become known inthe art to use a wedge-shaped device to assist in drawing the chamferedcable through the cable adapter. Specifically, an adapter wedge, ormandrel, may be used to stretch the internal portions of the cableadapter to assist in drawing the chamfered cable through the cableadapter. By providing a wedge shaped device to assist in the assembly ofthe spliced members, lubricant may also be dispersed along the innerlength of the spliced area (i.e., lubricant may be placed on the cableinsulation, within the inner diameter of the cable adapter and on thewedge), thereby providing a void-free interface between the interiorsurfaces of the assembly. In addition, the void-free interface mayfurther provide a resilient barrier against the ingress of moisture intothe spliced region. However, adapter wedges or mandrels known in the artalso remove and limit the usefulness of lubrication by creatingexcessive deposits of the lubrication at the base of the wedge as thesplice is assembled. Specifically, the present wedges utilized in theart do not provide an adequate means for prevention of the removal ofthe lubricant during assembly. For example, based on the mechanicalconfiguration and the designs of the prior art adapter wedges (i.e.,linearly-tapered hollowed cylindrical cone), most, if not all of thelubricating substance is often removed from the cable members and cableadapters upon the placement of the wedge. At the circumference of theconical base, deposits of the lubricating substance form therebyrendering the lubricating substance useless by failing to provide alubricating source at the points of contact between the adapter wedgeand the cable adapter. Therefore, it becomes extremely difficult forlineman to complete the splice. The improper lubrication may lead to theuse of excessive force by a lineman when affixing the adapter over thecable, which may lead to improper installation. As a result of thistimely and difficult splicing process, additional and unnecessary laborcosts may be incurred in the field.

[0004] Numerous disclosures are known in the art that attempt to dealwith the splicing inconveniences encountered. Many of these disclosuresand modes of splicing may be compatible with the present invention;however, these disclosures fail to provide the effective splicingcomponents as presented in the present disclosure. Specifically, it iscontemplated that any premolded splicing connection comprising aninterference fit may be compatible with the present disclosure. Forexample, Fallot U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,374 teaches of a separable spliceconnector for use with 15 to 25 kilovolts and 600 amperes of current.The connector employs a unitary splice body assembly. The splice bodyassembly is constructed of molded elastic material and may be utilizedfor providing a straight splice. Therefore, it is foreseeable that theuse of the adapter wedge employed in the present invention may beutilized in conjunction with the apparatus set forth in Fallot. However,Fallot fails to disclose the use of an adapter wedge for inserting thecable members within the corresponding cable adapters providing a securefit. Therefore, there exists a need for an apparatus and method whichprovides a secure splice allowing for ease in operation, by allowing fora natural secure fit between cable members and splice components.

[0005] A second apparatus, comprising a pre-molded high voltage splicethat may be compatible with the present invention, is disclosed in LienU.S. Pat. No. 5,041,027. Lien discloses a system for electricallyconnecting a first power cable end to a second power cable end. Thesplice system comprises a first probe adapted to be electricallyconnected to the first power cable end and a second probe adapted to beelectrically connected to the second power cable end and a cable splice.The cable splice further comprises two ends wherein a first femalecontact assembly is adapted to engage with the first probe and a secondfemale contact assembly is adapted to engage with the second probethereby forming a splice. However, Lien fails to disclose an apparatuscomprising a mechanical configuration, which is effective for assistingin splicing high-voltage cables, that controls the removal of alubricating substance. In addition, Lien fails to disclose an apparatusthat allows for a dielectric sealant to be dispersed along the innerlength of a cable adapter thereby providing a void-free bond between thesurfaces of the cable member and cable adapter thereby providing ease inassembly. Furthermore, Lien fails to disclose a simplified method forproviding an effective cable splice.

[0006] Luzzi U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,497 teaches of an apparatus and methodfor providing a linearly tapered mandrel for use with the insertion of acable member through a premolded expandable product. The premoldedexpandable product has an initial inner radius approximately equal tothe outer radius of the cable member. Upon forcing the linearly taperedmandrel inside the premolded expandable product the product stretchesand a clamp maintains the product's stretched position. The unit canthen be used onsite for immediate installation whereby a cable can thenbe inserted into the stretched premolded expandable product.Subsequently, upon releasing the clamp, the product returns to itsoriginal position for a snug fit around the inserted cable. However,Luzzi fails to disclose a simplified method and apparatus for drawing aprepared cable through a cable adapter that does not require the use ofadditional onsite tools. In addition, Luzzi fails to disclose a methodfor controlling the removal of lubricant within a splice apparatus.

[0007] Numerous other systems and splicing mechanisms are known andutilized in the art. However, none of the currently employed systemsprovide for ease of application in creating an effective splice. Forexample, numerous systems are known that expand the inner diameter ofthe cable adapter or other cable splicing connectors by employing theuse of complex tools onsite. These systems, demanding complex toolrequirements, have proven to be costly for on-site applications. Inaddition, these systems, often employing some type of dielectriccompound or lubricating substance tend to remove the lubricatingsubstance when a cable is affixed within an apparatus. This type ofinefficient design tends to make the performance of this type ofsplicing unduly time-consuming resulting in increased labor time andcost.

[0008] In other known systems, a stretching device may be employed forexpanding the interior circumference of an adapter device. In thesetypes of systems, upon placing a lubricated cable member within apremolded expandable product, the lubrication is completely removed fromthe outside of the cable member and the inner portion of the product ifthe product is not adequately stretched and held in place. Additionally,if the premolded expandable product is kept stretched for a long periodof time it may incur damage and possibly take a permanent set, making itprone to faults and defects in construction.

[0009] In other known systems in the art a user may place lubrication onthe cable members and lubricate a linearly tapered mandrel prior to theinsertion of the cable into the premolded expandable product. However,the designs of mandrels in the art cause the lubrication to collect inthe front end and back end of the cable adapter thereby removing thelubrication from the inside of the premolded expandable product as themandrel is guided through the product. As a result of this loss oflubrication, installation becomes extremely difficult and in some casesimpossible. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an inventionto provide a means for the uniform application of lubrication throughoutan entire inner portion of a premolded expandable product. Furthermore,it is desirable to provide a simplified apparatus for high voltagesplicing, requiring minimal additional tools, which allows a cableadapter to be placed over a cable member, requiring limited force forassembly. In addition, it is desirable to provide an apparatus thateliminates excessive assembly time onsite, limits the stress on thecable components and minimizes the risk of injury of a lineman duringassembly by utilizing the applied lubricant instead of removing thelubricant as the cable adapter is fixed over a cable member.

[0010] Thus, their exists a need for an invention which resolves thelimitations of the prior art by providing a suitable means for drawing acable adapter over a cable splicing apparatus which does not eliminatethe usefulness of the lubrication product between the inner surface of apremolded cable apparatus and the outer surface of a cable member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a method and apparatus forpreparing an effective cable splice providing uniform distribution oflubrication between cable members and joint components in high-voltagecable splices.

[0012] The present invention comprises a novel, uniquely tapered adapterwedge, or mandrel, further comprising longitudinally placed ribs. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the mandrel includes acylindrical extended end with a radius approximately equal to the innerradius of a premolded expandable product in its relaxed state. Inaddition, the mandrel is tapered generally throughout its length as itsradius gradually increases. Ribs protrude sufficiently outward from themandrel's center, dispersed longitudinally around the circumference ofthe outside of the mandrel.

[0013] To begin the cable splice, the mandrel, coated with a lubricant(i.e., non-hydrocarbon based lubricants or hydrocarbon based lubricantsdepending on the material properties of the splice components), isinserted over one end of a cable. The lubricated cable adapter may belubricated by any known substances common in the art, in addition tothose substances not yet contemplated. For example, it is known in theart that silicone grease compounds may prove useful in this type ofapplication when hydrocarbon based materials are utilized. The cableadapter may then be drawn over the mandrel. As it enters, the mandrelstretches the inside of the cable adapter and the lubrication istransferred from the mandrel to the inner lining of the cable adapter.As the mandrel passes within the cable adapter, the longitudinallyplaced ribs on the outside of the mandrel serve to prevent the mandrelfrom wiping away and collecting the lubricant thereby maintaining asignificant portion of lubrication within the regions displaced betweenthe ribs. Although the preferred embodiment provides one design that isuseful for maintaining the lubrication, it is foreseeable that numerousdesigns of the adapter wedge may be developed which may employ a broadrange of characteristics useful for maintaining the desired lubricationwithin the joint. For example, it is foreseeable that designs mayinclude any of a series of numbers of ribs, ribs of varying dimensionsand shapes, raised ribs, recessed ribs, recessed dimples, convexprotrusions, concave depressions or other similar designs. Upon themandrel's exit from the opposite end of the cable adapter, the cableremains positioned inside the lubricated cable adapter forming a tightfit between the cable and cable adapter. The tight fit around the cablemember provides a barrier thereby thwarting the ingress of moisture. Thecable adapter may then be slid back and forth over the cable member toallow for easy positioning adjustments during splicing.

[0014] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide aneffective system for high-voltage cable splicing and high-voltage cabletermination.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide ameans for maintaining a layer of lubrication on the inside of a cableadapter or other premolded expandable product.

[0016] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to providea means for preventing the removal of lubrication within a cable adapterwhile the cable adapter is stretched during a splicing operation.

[0017] It is still a further object of the present invention to providea means for maintaining a layer of silicone lubricant between theoutside of a cable member and the inside of a cable adapter or otherpremolded expandable product while the adapter is guided along thesurface of the cable member.

[0018] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to providea means for maintaining a layer of silicone lubricant between theoutside of a cable member and the inside of a cable adapter allowing forfine adjustment of the splice apparatus.

[0019] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a meansfor maintaining a layer of silicone lubricant between the outside of acable and the inside of a cable adapter or other premolded expandableproduct wherein the premolded expandable product is not stretched for along period of time and does not require clamps or other likespecialized tools.

[0020] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide auniquely tapered mandrel with longitudinally positioned ribs to providea means of maintaining a distribution of silicone lubricant between theoutside of a cable and the inside of a cable adapter or other premoldedexpandable product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A further understanding of the present invention can be obtainedby reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations ofthe accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merelyexemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both theorganization and method of operation of the invention, in general,together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be moreeasily understood by reference to the drawings and the followingdescription. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of thisinvention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims asappended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplifythe invention.

[0022] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,reference is now made to the following drawings in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 depicts a typical assembly cable preparation;

[0024]FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a linearly tapered mandrel known inthe art;

[0025]FIG. 2A depicts a front view of a linearly tapered mandrel knownin the art;

[0026]FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention comprising a uniquely tapered mandrel and longitudinallypositioned ribs;

[0027]FIG. 3A depicts a front view of an embodiment of the presentinvention comprising a uniquely tapered mandrel and longitudinallypositions ribs;

[0028]FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a mandrel assembly sequence of thepresent invention at the initial point of insertion;

[0029]FIG. 4A depicts a front view of a mandrel assembly sequence of thepresent invention at the initial point of insertion;

[0030]FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a mandrel assembly sequence of thepresent invention at an intermediate point of insertion as the adapterwedge or mandrel is set within the cable adapter;

[0031]FIG. 5A depicts a front view of a mandrel assembly sequence of thepresent invention at an intermediate point of insertion as the adapterwedge or mandrel is set within the assembly;

[0032]FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a mandrel assembly sequence of thepresent invention at an intermediate point of insertion as the adapterwedge or mandrel is set within the assembly at a point of egress;

[0033]FIG. 6A depicts a front view of a mandrel assembly sequence of thepresent invention at an intermediate point of insertion as the adapterwedge or mandrel is set within the assembly at a point of egress;

[0034]FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a mandrel assembly sequence of thepresent invention after the adapter wedge or mandrel has been completelyset within the cable adapter thereby creating a form-fitting assembly:

[0035]FIG. 7A depicts a front view of a mandrel assembly sequence of thepresent invention after the adapter wedge or mandrel has been completelyset within the cable adapter thereby creating a form-fitting assembly;

[0036]FIG. 8 depicts a conventional one-piece permanent splice with theadapter wedge or mandrel of the present invention removed after thecable is set within the cable splice;

[0037]FIG. 9 depicts a conventional one-piece permanent splice with theadapter wedge or mandrel of the present invention remaining within theassembly after the cable is set within the cable splice;

[0038]FIG. 10 depicts a side view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a uniquely tapered mandrel with an extendedend and longitudinally positioned ribs; and

[0039]FIG. 10A depicts a front view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a uniquely tapered mandrel with an extendedend and longitudinally positioned ribs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems andoperating structures in accordance with the present invention may beembodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may bequite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently,the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein aremerely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford thebest embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis forthe claims herein which define the scope of the present invention. Thefollowing presents a detailed description of a preferred embodiment (aswell as some alternative embodiments) of the present invention.

[0041] Referring first to FIG. 1, shown is a typical assembly cablepreparation 106 comprising outer cable jacket 101 and terminationpreparation 107. Insulation 103 is stripped back from cable end 105 oftermination preparation 107. Insulation shield 102 is also pulled backaway from cable end 105. Outer cable jacket 101 is stripped back beyondinsulation shield 102. In addition, insulation 103 is chamfered 104 toreduce assembly forces resulting from the insertion of a premoldeddevice over cable preparation 106 into a premolded expandable product.

[0042] Referring next to FIG. 2, shown is a prior art linearly taperedmandrel 204 with front taper 203 with a shorter radius than the radiusof the back taper 202. Inner radius 201 is such that mandrel 204 may beinserted onto a prepared cable (as depicted in FIG. 1). FIG. 2A depictsa front view of linearly tapered mandrel 204 with inner radius 201, andwith front and back taper, comprising radius 204 and radius 205,respectively.

[0043]FIG. 3 depicts the preferred embodiment of the present inventioncomprising a uniquely tapered mandrel 308. The uniquely tapered mandrel308 comprises a bore 320 (it is preferred that bore 320 may not betapered due to modern molding efficiencies; however, it is contemplatedby the present invention that the bore 320 may also be tapered) and atapered shell, wherein said tapered shell comprises a first dimension ata first end 312 (radius 310) and a second dimension at a second end 308(radius 306). The second dimension 324 may be at least slightly largerthan the first dimension 312. Taper 305 further comprises a plurality ofintegral ribs 316, which are distributed longitudinally along the lengthof the uniquely tapered mandrel 308 perpendicular to the circumferenceof the mandrel 308. The thickness of ribs 316 is defined by thedifference in radii 306 and 304. Although numerous thickness values maybe utilized in the present invention depending on the degree oflubrication desired, the degree of stretch desired to fit the splicecomponent and the force necessary to install the component, it has beendetermined that ribs with a thickness of 0.06 inches to 0.25 inches,beyond the substantial exterior portion of the mandrel, are mostappropriate for use in the field of high voltage splicing. However,values greater than and less than the preferred thickness values may beutilized in the art depending on the types of materials used and thepreferred lubricants employed. In addition, mandrel 308 may bemanufactured of any material strong enough to support the inward hoopforce imposed on it from a fully expanded cable adapter. However, in thepresent embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the mandrel308 be manufactured of a polypropylene-type material, polyethylene-typematerial, polyvinyl chloride-type material, polyurethane type-material,epoxy-type material, or a nylon-type material; however, numerous othertypes of materials may be utilized in the present invention. It isforeseeable in the present invention, that mandrel 308 can be fabricatedby machining or more preferably by molding. Furthermore, it is known inthe art that present high-voltage components are primarily manufacturedof two distinct materials, ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM) orsilicones. Since EPDM's are hydrocarbon-based materials, it is preferredin the present invention that the lubricant utilized should comprisenon-hydrocarbon (petroleum) based lubricants. Typically such lubricantsare silicone-based materials such as dimethypolysiloxane. Furthermore,it is preferred in the present invention that for splicing materialsmanufactured of silicone-based components, lubricant may comprise anynon-silicone based materials except those materials that would bedeleterious to high-voltage cable systems.

[0044] In the present embodiment, radius 302 should be constructed ofsufficient size so that the prepared cable (as set forth in FIG. 1) caneasily be inserted within the mandrel 308 to be subsumed within theinterior volume 320 of mandrel 308. For example, a mandrel may bemanufactured for connectors of a 600 Ampere classification wherein thediameters of the cable adapters in which mandrel 308 is to be insertedcover high-voltage diameter ranges of 0.500 to 2.120 inches. The mostcommon diameters used for this type of connection are in a range of0.980 to 1.780 inches. In another example, the present invention may bemanufactured for a 200 Ampere classification premolded separableconnectors, wherein diameters may range from 0.500 to 1.465 inches witha typical range of 0.640 to 0.950 inches. It is foreseeable that thepresent invention may be manufactured for other connectors of varyingclassifications, including, but not limited to 200 Ampere classificationconnectors, 600 Ampere classification connectors, 900 Ampereclassification connectors or the like.

[0045]FIG. 3A depicts a front view of the uniquely tapered mandrel 308of the present invention. Inner radius 302 of interior volume of themandrel is shown for reference. Furthermore, ribs 306 are identified andpositioned longitudinally along mandrel 308. Additionally, the thicknessof ribs 306 is defined by the differences in radius 306 and radius 304.

[0046] The functionality of mandrel 308 can be observed in the mandrelassembly sequences of FIG. 4 and corresponding FIG. 4A, FIG. 5 andcorresponding FIG. 5A, FIG. 6 and corresponding FIG. 6A and FIG. 7 andcorresponding FIG. 7A. Depicted is the splicing sequence employing themandrel as disclosed in the present invention at various positionsthroughout the application wherein the mandrel acts to expand the cableadapter as the cable adapter is placed over the wedge and preparedcable.

[0047] Beginning with FIG. 4, mandrel 308 is shown placed onto thetypical cable preparation including insulation 103, and morespecifically on the cable end 105 of the termination preparation.Lubricant 405 is applied to mandrel 308, the prepared cable surface andthe inside of the cable adapter 401 or joint along the interface betweenthe cable adapter 401 and the mandrel 308. The cable adapter 401 is thenpulled over the mandrel 308 and the cable preparation. As the cableadapter 401 is pushed along the mandrel, the cable adapter stress cone404 is stretched and expanded outwards from the cable adapter'sgeometrical center 406 allowing for ingress of the mandrel 308 and thecable preparation confined within the inner wall 408 of cable adapter401.

[0048] Turning next to corresponding FIG. 4A, depicted is a frontal viewof the embodiment set forth in FIG. 4. Displayed is the view lookinginto the opposite end of cable adapter 401 as mandrel assembly 402(comprising mandrel and terminal preparation 107), including ribs 306,is placed within the end of cable adapter 401 thereby expanding thecable adapter stress cone. At this stage of the embodiment, lubricant405 remains on the inner surface of the cable adapter.

[0049] Referring next to FIG. 5, inner wall 408 of cable adapter 401 isexpanded as it progress along the mandrel assembly (i.e. mandrel 308,cable end 105, insulation 103 and insulation shield (not shown)). Cableadapter stress cone 404 returns to a relaxed position around theinsulation 103 and insulation shield (not shown) (which may or may nothave been removed) of the prepared cable as the cable adapter is pulledover the cable. As the operation proceeds, lubricant 405 remains alongcable adapter inner walls 408 behind mandrel 308 to allow for easierpositioning of the cable.

[0050]FIG. 5A depicts a front view of the mandrel assembly sequence ofFIG. 5 wherein lubricant 405 is shown assisting the expansion andpenetration of the cable adapter 401 along the mandrel assembly 402(i.e., mandrel, terminal preparation 107 and cable preparation). Inaddition, depicted is the presence of lubrication 405 between integralribs 306 of the mandrel within the voids between the mandrel 308 and thecable adapter 401.

[0051]FIG. 6 depicts the further transgression of cable adapter 401along the mandrel 308 and the cable preparation (i.e., cable end 105,insulation 103, insulation 102 and outer cable jacket 101 (not shown)).A portion of lubricant 405 remains along cable adapter inner walls 408behind mandrel 308 thereby providing lubrication throughout the lengthof the cable adapter 401. Cable adapter edges 601 expand as mandrel 308nears the cable adapter opening.

[0052]FIG. 6A depicts a front view of the sequence shown in FIG. 6,wherein lubricant 405 remains between the integral ribs 306 of themandrel as cable adapter is pulled up and over the mandrel 308. Inaddition, depicted is the presence of lubrication 405 between integralribs 306 of the mandrel within the voids between the mandrel 308 and thecable adapter 401.

[0053] Referring next to FIG. 7, depicted is the next point in sequencewherein cable adapter is fully installed onto cable preparation securinginsulation shield 102 and cable insulation. At this point of operation,mandrel 308 may remain on cable end 105 for further installation or maybe removed. A film or layer 701 of lubricant remains between theinsulation of the cable member and the cable adapter inner walls 408 toallow for easy final positioning of the cable adapter 401. Cable adapter401 is returned to a partially relaxed position or slightly expandedinterference form-fitting position to provide for water tightnesssecuring the cable member. The film of lubricant 701 permits the cableadapter 401 to slide horizontally in either direction for fine positionadjustments. Furthermore, lubricating film provides for the protectionof the assembly by thwarting the ingress of the moisture within theassembly. At this point of assembly, mandrel 308 may be removed fromtermination preparation 107, if so desired, and termination preparation107 may be connected to electrical connection means to complete thecable splice.

[0054]FIG. 7A depicts a front view of mandrel 308 positioned at anexternal point beyond the end of cable end 105 of cable preparation. Thecable is securely fitted within the cable adapter and cable end 105remains within the mandrel 308, but external to the cable adapter.

[0055] Referring next to FIG. 8, depicted is a conventional one-piecepermanent splice 802 with the mandrel of the present invention removedafter the cable and outer cable jacket is set within the cable splice802. Electrical connection means 804 are disposed within the cablesplice 802 to ensure proper electrical conduction between two cable ends105 of opposing cable members. In order to connect two opposing cablemembers and create a permanent splice, a cable adapter or a splice mustbe forced over each cable member. Therefore, the present inventionprovides a means and apparatus for allowing easy manipulation of thecable members while assuring a proper, tight-fitting mechanism for aneffective splice.

[0056] Referring next to FIG. 9, depicted is a conventional one-piecepermanent splice with the mandrel 308 of the present invention remainingwithin the assembly after the cable is set within the cable adapter.Electrical connection means 804 are disposed within the cable splice 802to ensure proper electrical conduction between two cable ends 105 ofopposing cable members. In order to connect two opposing cable membersand create a permanent splice, a cable adapter or a splice must beforced over each cable member. Therefore, the present invention providesa means and apparatus for allowing easy manipulation of the cablemembers while assuring a proper, tight-fitting mechanism for aneffective splice. In addition, the mandrel 308 may remain within thecable splice 802.

[0057]FIG. 10 depicts an alternate embodiment of the present inventioncomprising a uniquely tapered mandrel 1008. The uniquely tapered mandrel1008 comprises a bore 1016 and a shell, wherein said shell comprises afirst dimension at a first end 1012 and a second dimension at a secondend 1014. The second dimension 1014 may be at least slightly larger thanthe first dimension 1012. The mandrel 1008 may further comprise anextended end 1004 having a front radius 1002 and taper 1005 with an endradius 1003. The extended end 1004 may prove effective in allowing forfactory installation of the mandrel 1008 within the joint components.Taper 1005 further comprises a multitude of integral ribs 1006 which aredistributed longitudinally along the length of the uniquely taperedmandrel 1008 perpendicular to the circumference of the mandrel 1008. Thethickness of ribs 1006 is defined by the difference in radii 1003 and1009. Although numerous thickness values may be utilized in the presentinvention depending on the degree of lubrication desired, the degree offorce desired to stretch the splice components and the degree of stretchdesired it has been determined that ribs with a thickness of 0.06 inchesto 0.25 inches, beyond the substantial exterior portion of the mandrel,are most appropriate for use in the field of high voltage splicing.However, values greater than and less than the preferred thicknessvalues may be utilized in the art depending on the types of materialsused and the lubricants employed. In addition, mandrel 1008 may bemanufactured of any material strong enough to support the inward hoopforce imposed on it from a fully expanded cable adapter. However, in thepresent embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the mandrel1008 be manufactured of a polypropylene-type material, polyethylene-typematerial, polyvinyl chloride-type material, polyurethane type-material,epoxy-type material, or a nylon-type material; however, numerous othertypes of materials may be utilized in the present invention. Mandrel1008 can be fabricated by machining or more preferably by molding.Furthermore, it is known in the art that present high-voltage componentsare primarily manufactured of two distinct materials, ethylene propylenediene monomers (EPDM) or silicones. Since EPDM's are hydrocarbon-basedmaterials, it is preferred in the present invention that the lubricantutilized should comprise non-hydrocarbon (petroleum) based lubricants.Typically such lubricants are silicone-based materials such asdimethypolysiloxane. Furthermore, it is preferred in the presentinvention that for splicing materials manufactured of silicone-basedcomponents, lubricant may comprise any non-silicone based materialsexcept those materials that would be deleterious to high-voltage cablesystems.

[0058] In the present embodiment, radius 1001 should be constructed ofsufficient size so that the prepared cable (as set forth in FIG. 1) caneasily be inserted therein. For example, an adapter mandrel may bemanufactured for connectors of a 600 Ampere classification wherein thediameters of the cable adapters in which mandrel 308 is to be insertedcover high-voltage diameter ranges of 0.500 to 2.120 inches. The mostcommon diameters used for this type of connection are in a range of0.980 to 1.780 inches. In another example, the present invention may bemanufactured for a 200-Ampere classification premolded separableconnectors, wherein diameters may range from 0.500 to 1.465 inches witha typical range of 0.640 to 0.950 inches. It is foreseeable that thepresent invention may be manufactured for other connectors of varyingclassifications, including, but not limited to 200 Ampere classificationconnectors, 600 Ampere classification connectors, 900 Ampereclassification connectors or the like.

[0059]FIG. 10A depicts a front view of the uniquely tapered mandrel ofthe present invention. Inner radius 1001 and extended end radius 1002are shown for reference. Furthermore, ribs 1006 are identified andpositioned longitudinally along mandrel 1008. Additionally, thethickness of ribs 1006 is defined by the differences in radius 1003 andradius 1009.

[0060] While the present invention has been described with reference toone or more preferred embodiments, such embodiments are merely exemplaryand are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustiveenumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention,therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes maybe made in such details without departing from the spirit and theprinciples of the invention.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus comprising a bore and a tapered shell, whereinsaid tapered shell comprises a first dimension at a first end and asecond dimension at a second end, said second dimension being largerthan said first dimension, and wherein said tapered shell furthercomprises a plurality of ribs.
 2. An apparatus as described in claim 1,wherein said apparatus further comprises an extended end.
 3. Anapparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said plurality of ribs arepositioned about the outer surface of said tapered shell.
 4. Anapparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said plurality of ribs extendalong at least a portion of said tapered shell.
 5. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said plurality ofribs extend perpendicularly to the circumference of the tapered shell.6. An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said tapered shellfurther comprises attachment means for connecting to a connectingdevice.
 7. An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein a portion of anouter surface of said apparatus is lubricated.
 8. The method of splicinga plurality of cable members comprising a plurality of cable adapterscomprising the steps of: (a) providing a mandrel including ribs on theouter surface to be positioned on a termination preparation of saidcable members; (b) providing lubrication means for lubricating saidouter surface of said mandrel; (c) positioning said mandrel and saidtermination preparation within said cable adapter to expand the internalcavity of said cable adapter thereby allowing said cable adapter to beforced over said cable termination.
 9. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising the step of removing said mandrel from said terminationpreparation for installation.
 10. An apparatus as described in claim 1,further comprising two halves, each of said halves extending along thelongitudinal axis of said apparatus, wherein a cable member may beinserted therethrough.
 11. A method of installing a recoverableelectrical insulating device having a bore therein for placing aprepared electrical cable member therethrough comprising the steps of:(a) providing a mandrel means having a first end of a first diameter anda second end of a second diameter larger than said first diameter ofsaid first end, comprising a tapered exterior surface between said firstend and said second end and a bore therethrough from said first end tosaid second end, wherein exterior surface of said mandrel comprisesribs; (b) providing lubrication means for lubricating said exteriorsurface of said mandrel; (c) placing said bore of said mandrel onto saidprepared electrical cable member; (d) forcing said recoverableelectrical insulating device over said mandrel and said preparedelectrical cable member thereby expanding at least a portion of saidrecoverable electrical insulating device to allow for lubrication toremain within the internal cavity of said recoverable electricalinsulating device within the voids between the ribs of said mandrel; and(e) contraction means for providing a snug fit around said preparedelectrical cable.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step ofremoving said mandrel from said prepared electrical cable is carried outby breaking said mandrel.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein saidmandrel remains within said removable electrical insulating device. 14.An apparatus as described in claim 1, further comprising two halves,each of said halves extending along the longitudinal axis of saidapparatus, wherein a cable member may be inserted therethrough andwherein said cable member may be removed from the apparatus byseparating said two halves.
 15. An apparatus as described in claim 1,further comprising a plurality of separable portions, each of saidportions extending along the longitudinal axis of said apparatus,wherein a cable member may be inserted therethrough.
 16. An apparatus asdescribed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of separableportions, each of said portions extending along the longitudinal axis ofsaid apparatus, wherein a cable member may be inserted therethrough andwherein said cable member may be removed from the apparatus byseparating said portions.